The Song of the Nibelungs is Germany’s famous national epic. This is where the trail derives its name, as the action surrounding its hero, Siegfried, is set in the Odenwald forest. At the start of the route from Zwingenberg to Freudenberg, you enjoy panoramic views from the hills of the ‘Bergstrasse’ region across the Rhineland Plain all the way to the hills of the Palatinate Forest, Donnersberg hill and the densely wooded Taunus hills. The sections of the route that pass rock formations and boulder fields are particularly fascinating, especially the stretch crossing the Reichenbach ‘Felsenmeer’ (block field). The Odenwald’s many castles and palaces, along with fortified medieval churches and half-timbered villages, are evidence of the rich and turbulent history of the region. The Nibelung Trail is a challenging 124km route for energetic walkers, with a total climb of more than 4,000 metres.

Tip: Felsenmeer

On the southern slope of Felsberg hill lies one of the most impressive natural monuments of the Odenwald region, the ‘Felsenmeer’ (block field). It is about one kilometre long and looks like a mass of gigantic pebbles. There are several myths surrounding its origins.